Postpartum spontaneous vulvar hematoma as a cause of maternal near miss: a case report and review of the literature

J Med Case Rep. 2022 Feb 28;16(1):85. doi: 10.1186/s13256-022-03281-2.

Abstract

Background: Postpartum spontaneous vulvar hematoma is a rare complication of childbirth that can potentially cause maternal death if not managed properly and in a timely manner. We present the case of maternal near miss secondary to postpartum hemorrhage secondary to vulvar hematoma after home delivery in a 28-year-old para IV mother from rural Ethiopia. The case was surgically managed under spinal analgesia. The mother and her newborn were discharged on the fourth postprocedure day.

Conclusion: Neglected and inappropriately managed postpartum vulvar hematoma can cause significant maternal morbidity; therefore, timely surgical exploration, ligation of bleeding vessels, and obliteration of dead space can avert severe maternal complications.

Keywords: Maternal near miss; Postpartum; Severe anemia; Vulvar hematoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hematoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hematoma / surgery
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Near Miss, Healthcare*
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage*
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Vulvar Diseases* / etiology
  • Vulvar Diseases* / surgery